BREATHE is a 15-metre pulsating dome of light which invites us to come together and breathe in unison. Its rhythmic light provides a gentle, steady guide to help us slow down, take respite from our hectic city lives, and feel connected both to ourselves and to others, globally.
Informed by science, BREATHE engages us in the present moment and re-awakens our sense of belonging and connection. It’s an awe-inspiring and simple reminder that in essence – regardless of our differences – we share a common humanity and future. The experience re-awakens our sense of interconnection, as a common species, with the world we live in.
The BREATHE sphere glows from dark to light and back in repeated cycles, mirroring inhalations and exhalations of 6 seconds each, and features a synchronised soundscape by Laurent Jespersen.
BEYOND THE SPHERE: CITYWIDE PULSING
While the physical rising sphere is the heartbeat of BREATHE, its presence is the catalyst for a larger city-wide experience across squares, parks and avenues. Key monuments, natural features and public screens pulse in sync, amplifying the installation’s resonance and uniting the whole city in a shared experience.
BREATHE GUIDELINES
Conscious breathing has been used to restore body and mind for thousands of years, all over the world. More recently it has been scientifically proven that simple breathing exercises can:
- calm the mind
- improve focus and concentration
- improve cognitive performance
- reduce stress and anxiety
- lower blood pressure
- relax physical tension
- reduce fatigue and improve endurance
- improve quality of sleep
Breathing exercises are accessible to everyone, anywhere, and regular practice can help maintain a calm and clear emotionally balanced state throughout the day.
Cardiac coherence
Cardiac coherence, or heart coherence, is a state in which our heart, our mind, and our emotions are aligned. We have the capacity to bring on this state simply through slower and deeper breathing, with the initial aim of decreasing our heart rate. In turn, a slower heart rate makes us feel calmer and more focused, leading to better concentration, higher endurance and generally improved cognitive performance.
Most of us breathe at a rate of 12 to 20 inhalations & exhalations per minute. We can aim to slow this down at least a couple of times a day, with a rate of 5 to 6 breaths per minute considered optimal for improved physical and mental health.
We can all achieve cardiac coherence through simple breathing techniques. The BREATHE pulse and soundscape can guide you through this process:
- Breathe in slowly for 5 or 6 seconds: fill your lungs gradually.
- Exhale slowly for 5 or 6 seconds: a smooth and steady exhale helps activate the relaxation response.
Repeating this cycle for 5 to 10 minutes twice daily can help you shift your heart into a coherent state for optimal wellbeing.
BREATHE premiered in Geneva, Switzerland May 16-26 2024
